When Does Myrtle Beach Open?
While the busiest time of year in Myrtle Beach is certainly the summer, this coastal city has plenty to offer year round and is considered “open” all the time!
Though opening hours and seasons for individual attractions, entertainment complexes, and other things to do in Myrtle Beach vary, below are the most frequently visited attractions for vacationers and when they open so you can plan your best Myrtle Beach trip experience.
Are Myrtle Beach Beaches Open Year Round?
Public beaches in Myrtle Beach are open year-round. The warm weather of the coast means beach season stretches quite a while beyond the official bounds of summer, with surfers and swimmers donning wetsuits when the water finally begins to chill.
Depending on where you choose to stay in Myrtle Beach, your easiest public beach access may vary. Oceanfront hotels like Dunes Village Resort give you private beach access directly from the hotel, while you may be in for a walk if you stay elsewhere. For the most up-to-date information about the beaches in Myrtle Beach, like parking regulations, what is and isn’t allowed on the beach, curfews for minors, and seasonal lifeguard hours, consult the city’s official page.
Is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade Open Year Round?
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is open 24 hours a day, year round. Events and activities on the boardwalk typically pick up in early spring, when vacationers and warm weather bring a surge of excitement to the area that calls for live music, festivals, and more. Summer is the busiest time on the boardwalk, with vacationers and locals alike enjoying the boardwalk’s most popular attractions:
- The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel soars 200 feet over Myrtle Beach and gives riders a bird’s eye view of everyone’s favorite beach, enjoyed comfortably from a private, air conditioned gondola. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is open year round.
- Plyler Park is the site of concerts and festivals throughout the year on the boardwalk, and home to the Goddess of the Sea bronze sculpture that depicts a mermaid frolicking in the sea with two dolphins – a great photo opportunity!
- Bars and restaurants at the boardwalk are open most of the year, with seasonal hours going into effect when appropriate. ART Burger Sushi Bar, Moe Moon’s, Hurricane’s Daiquiri Bar and Grill, The Bowery, and more await at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade!
Is Myrtle Beach State Park Open Year Round?
Myrtle Beach State Park is open from March to December from 6 am to 10 pm, and from December to February from 11 am to 5 pm. Fees to enter the park are on a per-person basis, not by carload or vehicle. Entry is $8 for adults, $4 for children 6 – 15.
Myrtle Beach State Park is home to some of the last remaining green space located on Myrtle Beach’s coast. Close to a mile of undeveloped coastal landscape offers a fishing pier, a nature center, miles of hiking trails, picnic spots, and more. Whether you choose your own adventure or join a program or event put on by the park, you’re sure to leave with a heightened appreciation for this gorgeous natural space.
Where Can You Stay Year Round in Myrtle Beach?
Get top-notch accommodations any time of year at Dunes Village Resort. You can even enjoy water amenities in the winter or on rainy summer days – Dunes Village is home to Myrtle Beach’s best indoor waterpark! The spacious oceanfront rooms and suites at this Myrtle Beach resort offer plenty of room for your group to stay comfortably, and on-site amenities like the indoor waterpark, dining options, a fitness center, indoor game room and recreation center, and more make the perfect site for creating Myrtle Beach vacation memories.
Are Myrtle Beach Restaurants Open Year Round?
Locals and snowbirds keep a majority of Myrtle Beach’s restaurants open year round, but some may have seasonal hours. Seasonal hours don't always mean shorter hours! Some area bars and restaurants open earlier and stay open longer during the peak season. The best course of action is checking out individual restaurant hours on their official pages, or calling if you can’t find a solid answer online.
No matter when you come to Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand is ready to welcome you. Whether you wait for summer to be in full swing, spend your spring break on the oceanfront, or experience the underrated magic of Myrtle Beach in the fall and winter, you can build a full Myrtle Beach vacation itinerary with the entertainment, attractions, dining, and shopping that are available anytime in this stunning coastal spot.